Table Tales: How to Finding the Rule in Word Problems

A word problem with a table hides a rule connecting the two columns. Compare how the output changes as the input goes up by one, then check whether the same rule works for every row. Below: the method step by step, two worked examples, and practice questions.

By looking at how the numbers change, we can figure out this rule. Let’s learn how to spot these rules in word problems using tables!

Step-by-step Guide to Finding the Rule in Word Problems:

1. Read the Problem: 

Always start by reading the word problem carefully. Understand what’s happening in the story.

2. Look at the Table:

See how the numbers change from one row to the next. This can give you a hint about the rule.

3. Find the Pattern:

Ask yourself:

, Are numbers being added or subtracted each time?

, Are numbers being multiplied or divided?

4. Guess the Rule: 

Based on the pattern, try to guess the rule. For example, if numbers go up by 5 each time, the rule might be “add 5.”

5. Test Your Guess: 

Use the rule on some numbers in the table to see if it works. If it does, you’ve found the rule!

Example 1: 

Liam saves money every week. The table shows how much he has saved:

| Week | Money Saved |

|, |, -|

| 1 | $5 |

| 2 | $10 |

| 3 | $15 |

The rule is “Liam saves $5 more every week.”

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Example 2: 

Emma reads books every month. The table shows how many she has read:

| Month | Books Read |

|, -|, |

| 1 | 2 |

| 2 | 4 |

| 3 | 6 |

The rule is “Emma reads 2 more books each month.”

Practice Questions: 

1. Jake collects stickers. The table shows how many he has:

| Day | Stickers |

|, |, -|

| 1 | 3 |

| 2 | 6 |

| 3 | 9 |

What’s the rule for how many stickers Jake collects?

2. Mia plants flowers every week. The table shows how many she has planted:

| Week | Flowers Planted |

|, |,, |

| 1 | 4 |

| 2 | 8 |

| 3 | 12 |

What’s the rule for how many flowers Mia plants?

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Answers: 

1. Jake collects 3 more stickers each day.

2. Mia plants 4 more flowers each week.

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